AI’s Energy Appetite: What Data Centers Mean for the Future of Electricity Prices

Discover how AI-driven data centers are reshaping electricity demand, prices, and why smarter HVAC and efficiency are critical for sustainable growth.

Ava Montini

Jan 27, 2026

Written by

Published on

Powering intelligence, shaping energy

Artificial intelligence has gone from “what if” to “what now.” We use it to draft reports, analyze data, streamline workflows, and even generate design ideas. But while the results appear on our screens instantly, what powers them is anything but invisible.

Behind every AI tool is a data center; rows of servers drawing massive amounts of power and generating equally massive amounts of heat. And with AI adoption soaring, those facilities are putting real pressure on our electricity grids.

Bloomberg recently reported that in PJM, the largest U.S. grid, capacity prices jumped sharply as AI-driven data center demand climbed (Bloomberg). For operators, this is a direct hit to energy budgets.

So while AI is exciting, it comes with a new operational reality: efficiency in cooling, airflow, and HVAC isn’t optional. It’s the difference between runaway costs and sustainable growth.

Why AI is different from past computing booms

Previous waves of digital growth (like cloud adoption) drove steady data center expansion. But AI is different. Training large models consumes enormous amounts of energy. The International Energy Agency estimates that data center electricity use could nearly double by 2030 to around 1,000 TWh, roughly equal to Japan’s entire annual consumption (IEA).

And it’s not just training. Inference: the everyday process of users asking questions or running AI tasks is multiplying demand across millions of devices. Goldman Sachs forecasts a 165% increase in data center power demand by 2030, largely due to AI (Goldman Sachs).

Cooling: a hidden energy driver

When people think about data centers, they picture racks of servers. But behind that computing load is another energy giant: cooling.

HVAC, chillers, pumps, and fans often make up 30–40% of total energy use in data centers (U.S. DOE). That means the “support systems” keeping servers at safe temperatures can rival the IT equipment itself in energy demand.

And because these systems run 24/7, even small inefficiencies snowball:

A high-resistance filter forces fans to draw extra kilowatts all day, every day.
A dirty coil reduces heat transfer, stretching compressor runtimes.
A miscalibrated damper throws airflow off balance, raising both costs and emissions.

Clogged filters can cut supply airflow by over 35%, driving higher fan power and cooling loads (MDPI). Others highlight how loaded filters in constant-speed systems directly increase electricity use (University of Texas at Austin).

Now scale that across a hyperscale AI-driven facility. A 3% efficiency penalty may look small on paper, but in practice, it can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars annually and add unnecessary CO₂e to your footprint.

That’s why low-pressure, high-efficiency filtration matters. It cuts resistance without sacrificing capture, reducing fan energy hour after hour. For operators under pressure from rising power prices and sustainability goals, it’s one of the simplest ways to shrink cooling costs while protecting uptime.

Why efficiency pays off more now

Energy savings have always lowered costs. But as grids get stressed and data center demand rises, the value of each saved kilowatt is climbing. Bloomberg recently reported that capacity prices on PJM, the largest U.S. grid, have spiked because of new data center growth (Bloomberg).

In practical terms, this changes the math:

A coil cleaning that once took years to pay for itself can now pay back in just a few months.
Smarter controls and calibrated ventilation keep you protected when prices swing.
Low-pressure filtration quietly reduces fan energy every hour, stacking up bigger savings as electricity prices rise.

The bottom line is that efficiency has become one of the fastest and most reliable ways to control operating costs in an unpredictable energy market.

Building smarter, not just bigger

For operators, the roadmap isn’t a mystery. The tools are already here:

Low-pressure filtration to keep fans efficient hour after hour.
Adaptive cooling strategies like variable-speed fans, economizers, and containment to right-size energy use.
Monitoring-based commissioning and diagnostics to stop efficiency losses before they become routine.
Load shifting and grid-aware operations to tap cleaner, cheaper hours of power (IEA).

Every watt counts

As AI expands, data centers will continue to carry a heavier share of global electricity demand. That makes efficiency less of an option and more of an operating requirement.

The lesson is simple: efficiency and reliability are not competing goals. When facilities prioritize both, they not only manage rising energy costs but also reduce their carbon footprint in measurable, reportable ways. AI may be shaping the demand curve, but how operators respond will shape the industry's long-term sustainability.

The Crucial Role of Indoor Air Quality in Patient Safety: Healthcare Solutions and Strategies

Jennifer Crowley
Apr 9, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Jul 8, 2024

Image of immunocompromised patient requiring oxygen in a sanitary cleanroom at a healthcare facility — Poor IAQ can lead to the spread of airborne contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, and allergens, increasing the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and exacerbating respiratory conditions.

In the realm of healthcare, patient safety reigns supreme. From stringent sanitation protocols to advanced medical technologies, hospitals and medical facilities spare no effort in ensuring the well-being of their patients. However, one often overlooked aspect of patient safety is the quality of the air they breathe. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) plays a critical role in creating a safe and healthy environment for patients, staff, and visitors alike. In this blog post, we'll delve into the importance of IAQ in healthcare settings, exploring solutions and strategies to safeguard patient safety.

Understanding the Impact of IAQ on Patient Safety:

The air quality within healthcare facilities directly impacts the health outcomes of patients. Poor IAQ can lead to the spread of airborne contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, and allergens, increasing the risk of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and exacerbating respiratory conditions. For immunocompromised patients, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplants, exposure to pollutants in the air can pose serious health risks and hinder the healing process. Additionally, airborne particles and pollutants can trigger allergic reactions and respiratory distress in vulnerable individuals, further compromising patient safety.

Solutions for Enhancing IAQ in Healthcare Facilities:

Advanced Air Filtration Systems: Investing in high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters and electrostatic precipitators can effectively capture and remove airborne pathogens and pollutants, ensuring clean and safe air for patients and staff.
Proactive Ventilation Strategies: Implementing proper ventilation systems, including increased air exchanges and the use of outdoor air intake, can help dilute indoor air pollutants and reduce the concentration of harmful contaminants.
UVC Disinfection Technology: Integrating ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) systems into HVAC systems and air ducts can neutralize bacteria, viruses, and mold spores, providing an additional layer of protection against airborne pathogens.
Regular Maintenance and Cleaning: Routine inspection, cleaning, and maintenance of HVAC systems, air ducts, and ventilation components are essential for preventing the buildup of mold, dust, and other contaminants that can compromise IAQ.
Air Quality Monitoring: Utilizing IAQ monitoring systems and sensors allows healthcare facilities to continuously monitor air quality parameters, such as temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide levels, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), enabling proactive identification and mitigation of IAQ issues.
Staff Education and Training: Providing healthcare staff with comprehensive training on IAQ best practices, infection control measures, and proper ventilation protocols empowers them to contribute to a safer and healthier environment for patients.

Key Spaces in Healthcare Settings to Focus IAQ Solutions on:

Patient Rooms: Ensuring clean and contaminant-free air in patient rooms is essential for protecting patients with compromised immune systems and supporting their recovery process.
Surgical Suites: Maintaining sterile environments in surgical suites is critical for preventing surgical site infections and ensuring optimal patient outcomes following surgical procedures.
Intensive Care Units (ICUs): Patients in ICUs are often the most vulnerable to airborne infections, making it imperative to implement rigorous IAQ measures to reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
Emergency Departments: High patient turnover and exposure to a wide range of illnesses in emergency departments necessitate effective IAQ solutions to minimize the spread of infectious agents.
Laboratories and Pharmacies: Controlling airborne contaminants in laboratories and pharmacies is essential for preserving the integrity of medical samples and medications and ensuring accurate test results and safe drug administration.
Waiting Areas and Common Spaces: Providing clean and comfortable air in waiting areas and common spaces enhances the overall patient experience and reduces the risk of airborne transmission of infections among patients and visitors.

Strategies for Implementing IAQ Solutions:

Assessment and Evaluation: Conducting comprehensive IAQ assessments and audits to identify potential sources of indoor air pollution and areas for improvement.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging key stakeholders, including facility managers, environmental health specialists, infection control teams, and maintenance staff, in the development and implementation of IAQ solutions fosters collaboration and ensures a coordinated approach to addressing IAQ challenges.
Prioritization of Resources: Allocating sufficient resources and budgetary support for IAQ improvement initiatives demonstrates organizational commitment to patient safety and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
Compliance with Regulatory Standards: Adhering to IAQ regulations and guidelines set forth by regulatory agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), ensures compliance and promotes accountability in maintaining safe indoor environments.
Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishing protocols for ongoing IAQ monitoring, data collection, and performance evaluation allows healthcare facilities to track progress, identify trends, and make informed decisions to optimize IAQ management strategies over time.

In the realm of healthcare, patient safety is paramount, and indoor air quality plays a crucial role in ensuring a safe and healthy environment for patients, staff, and visitors. By implementing proactive IAQ solutions and strategies, healthcare facilities can mitigate the risks associated with poor air quality, reduce the transmission of infectious diseases, and enhance overall patient outcomes.

Are you interested in learning more about Blade Air's arsenal of IAQ solutions? Connect with us so you and your patients can #BreatheEasier

As stewards of patient safety, it is incumbent upon healthcare providers to prioritize IAQ management and invest in technologies and practices that promote a clean, healthy, and healing environment for all.

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